For number 6, instead of the double bungy, I ran a 1/4 dia nylon line from the stainless cleat in the middle of the left AMA up around front left AKA brace, then back behind the mast assembly, then back in front of the right AKA brace, then clipped onto the stainless cleat in the center of the right AMA. What this does is prevent the AMA's from clanking around, and also in the event of a sheer pin breakage, the rope prevents the AMA's from folding in. I tend to sail kind of hard at times and have sheared off several AMA sheer bolts. Hope this helpsBob

Fusioneng,

I was just out in some quite rough water where the wind against a current in a turbulent tidal area created a steep sometimes chaotic chop and really slammed my TI around. The aka joints and bungies got a real workout. I'd like to try your idea. But I want to make sure I understand you. By the "front left AKA brace," do you mean the cross bar that goes clear across the hull?

And then, do you tie the line off on both the left and right AKA braces (or left and right sides of the crossbar), or just run it around the brace and tie it only to the AMAs? Would it work just as well to use 2 shorter lines: one from left ama to left brace, and one from right ama to right brace? Thanks,

By the "front left AKA brace," do you mean the cross bar that goes clear across the hull?

Yes the bar that goes across the hull, which is attached by brackets on each end to the hull, and in the center (where the sail is). I run the rope in front of the left brace, behind the big bracket in the center, then around front of the right brace. It is out of the way of everything like this. I actually leave the rope wound through there when I break the boat down, and just throw the ends of the rope (with the stainless clips) into the mesh storage pouches for storage. It takes all of 3 seconds to clip onto the AMA.

Quote:

And then, do you tie the line off on both the left and right AKA braces (or left and right sides of the crossbar), or just run it around the brace and tie it only to the AMAs? Would it work just as well to use 2 shorter lines: one from left ama to left brace, and one from right ama to right brace? Thanks,

The rope is not tied anywhere, it just slips around the left and right braces. It is of course clipped with stainless clips on the ends to the AMA (as shown in the pic). Of course you could have two shorter ropes, just tied to the left and right outer AKA braces, it would serve the same purpose. I just thought to use just a loose rope initially that could be stowed in my sail bag along with my other misc ropes and sails in the garage. But after the first couple times out I decided to just leave it on the hull to save rigging time, it's been there ever since.

To test it out, just unhook the AKA brace and try to push the AMA back and in, using the stretchy nylon rope it pushes in just a little then springs back out, so if you were to hit a dock, damage will still be unlikely, trust me I've banged into bunches of stuff and sheared off many nylon bolts, but never any other damage (knock on polyethylene for luck).I get into some pretty rough conditions at times, and have never had an AMA fold in, which would be your worst nightmare in really rough conditions. I have however sheared off at least a half a dozen shear bolts. With 260 sq ft of sail my TI really flies when I have good wind. As a side benefit, the rope keeps the AMA's from bouncing all over the place and making a lot of noise (not planned, but hey it works)

Here is a pic of the safety rope in place, I just store the rope with the hull, and snap the clips on when putting the AMA's on.

I did, but not as I would have liked. I had one day last Saturday when the sun came out, and wouldn't you know it not more than 20 minutes out and the wind just died completely. I did get out and sail on them while I could, I also jumped around on them, napped for a bit, and even did a little fishing from them.

Here is a pic of Ted standing tall on the starboard haka. It was so calm he rode this way all the way to the pier. We have a camp and fish next weekend and the conditions look to be good as of now. We will see. I will get video when I can test them properly.

I will say this as I know chopcat has said before. Cantilevers ARE the way to go. I am able to hike out with ease and efficiency from the rear cockpit.

Quote: Puget:And then, do you tie the line off on both the left and right AKA braces (or left and right sides of the crossbar), or just run it around the brace and tie it only to the AMAs? Would it work just as well to use 2 shorter lines: one from left ama to left brace, and one from right ama to right brace? Thanks,

Quote Fusioneng:The rope is not tied anywhere, it just slips around the left and right braces. It is of course clipped with stainless clips on the ends to the AMA (as shown in the pic). Of course you could have two shorter ropes, just tied to the left and right outer AKA braces, it would serve the same purpose. I just thought to use just a loose rope initially that could be stowed in my sail bag along with my other misc ropes and sails in the garage. But after the first couple times out I decided to just leave it on the hull to save rigging time, it's been there ever since.

To test it out, just unhook the AKA brace and try to push the AMA back and in, using the stretchy nylon rope it pushes in just a little then springs back out, so if you were to hit a dock, damage will still be unlikely, trust me I've banged into bunches of stuff and sheared off many nylon bolts, but never any other damage (knock on polyethylene for luck).I get into some pretty rough conditions at times, and have never had an AMA fold in, which would be your worst nightmare in really rough conditions. I have however sheared off at least a half a dozen shear bolts. With 260 sq ft of sail my TI really flies when I have good wind.As a side benefit, the rope keeps the AMA's from bouncing all over the place and making a lot of noise (not planned, but hey it works)

Got it. I missed the stainless clips the first time I read it.

I set it up in the driveway and it works great. Hope to try it in the water next week. I was wondering if those two little screws in the AMA would hold when a buried ama is being pulled at 10 or 12 mph. But it sounds like you push it harder than I would or could with my stock sail, so I won't worry. I'm sure the stretch in the nylon helps with the stress. Thanks.

Nice mod, I'll have to add this, thanks. I've used the exploding rivets where there may be a little extra strength needed in areas where I can't access for a nut, washer & bolt (dble bungee mod). These rivets would work well for this mod too.

_________________BobProud member Kayak Fishing Association of New YorkSupporting member NEKF, Supporting member Team JinxKW's KFA Team 3

One thing you can say about these scaffolding hakas, for $200, anyone could buy a pair, strap them on and be ready to go. Windblown's setup does bother me. In rough waters, it is possible that the leading bungee cord might slide off the front of the aka. All that needs to happen is a series of strong waves striking the haka from underneath to drive the haka back enough to slip the bungee. He should consider adding a aka bumper (see my table haka link above.)